04/18/24
April 17, 2010
NCAA Bans Eye-Black Messages: Eye-black with messages will be banned from college football this fall. The NCAA's Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved the rules change along with a new rule against taunting that could take points off the board and a rule against wedge blocking. Heisman Trophy winners Reggie Bush and Tim Tebow popularized the use of eye-black as a communication medium in recent years. Tebow's use for biblical citations generated millions web searches. His eye black even launched its own web site last season.
I don't care one way or the other on the eye-black messages. Just not enough of an issue to me, however, I can see how it could get out of hand so controlling it now is probably the best route.
As to the taunting rule change, what a bunch of killjoys. A player highsteps into the endzone and we're going to disallow the TD? The 15 yard penalty was over-enforcement as it was. It's especially troublesome because it's a judgement call on the part of the official. A player gets excited and starts his celebration at the 3 yard line and it's no score...but the same behavior 3 yards later doesn't even draw the flag for excessive celebration?
The wedge blocking rule has safety in mind, so I'm good with that.
posted by dviking at 01:56 PM on April 17, 2010
Remember when eye-black truly was eye-black a player put on, much like lipstick? Now they look like black Band-Aids. Also, I'm not a fan of political or religious statements on the field, so better to nip this in the bud now.
posted by jjzucal at 02:20 PM on April 17, 2010
Football must be one of the only sports where you can celebrate before you actually score. I don't mind the "just run it in" (it''d be like don't have a hghsteppin' home run trot") rule but Jesus H. the Culture of Football (tm) is pretty much all about "discipline". Not "playing".
posted by rumple at 02:57 PM on April 17, 2010
Communists! I didn't watch my buddies die face down in the mud, so some...
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:42 PM on April 17, 2010
This just in, NCAA bans smiling or laughing on the sidelines as well as playing field.
I know you jest, sarge, but the celebration rule is just preparation for players entering the No Fun League.
posted by Howard_T at 04:14 PM on April 17, 2010
In college baseball, can a hitter that has just hit a home run point at his fans as he rounds third? Can he pump his fist?
posted by dviking at 05:15 PM on April 17, 2010
God forbid the players show some enthusiasm about the sport they are playing. This makes me sick.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:26 PM on April 17, 2010
YYM - it's a common mistake to confuse business with pleasure
posted by kokaku at 08:09 PM on April 17, 2010
Who's the Jim McMahon of college football that will put "This Space Intentionally Left Blank"
posted by drezdn at 11:03 PM on April 17, 2010
the celebration rule is just preparation for players entering the No Fun League.
NCAA = No Celebrations Allowed Assocation
posted by etagloh at 11:04 AM on April 18, 2010
This just in, NCAA bans smiling or laughing on the sidelines as well as playing field.